Philip Vergeylen & Paolo Moschino at home

 Do you watch the homeworthy videos?  They can be hit or miss (especially with the sheer quantity they come out with anymore) but once in awhile one will make you stand up and take notice.  Such was the case with this tour of Philip Vergeylen & Paolo Moschino's London apartment.  Dream apartments - well worth the 33 minute tour!

The Westchester: Old school elegance

Washington is a city full of grand old apartment buildings but my favorite may well just be the Westchester, located in NW DC just off Massachusetts Avenue near Wesley Heights and Spring Valley.

While many of the best apartment buildings are located along Connecticut Avenue or in Kalorama here in Washington,  the Westchester is an outlier.  This has perhaps led to its reputation as a sort of retirement village for the neighborhoods which surround it (some of the wealthiest in the city).

Thankfully the buildings ( there are numerous buildings spread throughout beautiful gardens) have been lovingly maintained and barely touched since they were built in 1931; having been decorated by the likes of Dorothy Draper in the late 30s and a host of other talents.  The buildings turned private Coop in 1951.

 I love these screens in Building "A"'s lobby which capture some of the elegant plaster details.

 Notice the numerous subtle paint colors used in the moldings -a professional touch.

The 1930s were such an interesting time period architecturally.

Classicism was still the norm but architects and designers were bringing in touches of art deco and even art moderne; a truly eclectic time period.

The main building has the largest and grandest lobby as it holds a number of the building's amenities such as a public restaurant, a library, beauty parlor, and even a small grocery store!

 One can really see the Dorothy Draper touches here; that sofa and chinoiserie screen!

 Truly vast spaces, made light and bright with judicious lighting and the liberal use of mirror.

 Similar detailing here with the addition of some formal Georgian crystal.

Love these coved ceilings leading to the elevator vestibule and the large backlit flag & eagles.

But shall I show you into one of the apartments that was recently for sale (earlier this spring as you can tell from my exterior photos)?

This penthouse unit (in the A building) was completely renovated and offers the best of both the old school building and modern living.

The very modern kitchen has all of the things many home buyers look for today: marble countertops, stainless steel, open shelving, and 'open-concept' but also solid thick walls and windows in every room (good luck finding those last 2 in a modern apartment building).

 Did I mention the private balcony with stunning views off the living room?

The original bathroom was cleaned up (new toilet, medicine cabinet) but retains all of the charm of the original. Those pedestal sinks and tile floors are standard issue in every apartment I've seen in the Westchester (and I have seen many of them and even worked on a few ).

The benefits to being high in the building are of course the lovely views of the garden and the surrounding Westchester buildings not to mention increased light.

 One can see as far as the river, the airport (National to the left), and the Rosslyn skyline.

I think Gza-Gza said it best "I just adore a penthouse view"...........

Details Matter

If you follow me on Instagram (@architectdesignblog) this weekend you probably saw a number of pictures I posted of a grand apartment building here in Washington DC in the historic Kalorama neighborhood.

Buildings such as these are listed in the Washington real estate bible, Best Addresses, by the local authority on such matters, James Goode.  I live in a 'best address' building myself, although not as grand as this, and it really was one of my apartment's selling features. It's always the first statement of any real estate description of any apartment in these buildings in Washington. I would recommend the book to others who don't live in DC as a great compilation of grand apartment buildings from 1900 till the 1970s, full of floorplans and historic photos.

The details matter here and separate this building from common apartments. Symmetry and aligned spaces are key, but delicate plasterwork, marble mosaic floors, and charming original stairwell doors and exit signs are all details that speak of care and quality.

Notice the well thought placement of modern HVAC grilles discretely placed above the exit door. I think also important to notice are the signs that this building is a home;  minimal quality non-cluttery furniture and artwork grace the spacious halls.  Compare this to atrocious new-construction apartments we see going up all over this city and also cities around the country as we experience this (wonderful) return to urbanism. Why do people prefer new construction to this again?

Don't miss this housetour!

I don't often read Apartment Therapy as it tends to be a little cookie-cutter 'contemporary' for my tastes but once in awhile they feature some great house tours. This week featured an apartment in Chicago with so much character and style I had to share it with you all!

I hate when people share an entire article or tour (SPOILER!) so I'll just share these 3 teasers with you.  I love the quirky collection of items and the dark hued walls & trim. While each object may not be to your (or my) tastes, the collective quality and ambiance of the space is top notch in my book.

Definitely check out this stylish house tour HERE! Or if you are interested in stuff related with glazing then check out Double glazing companies in Bath.

New York City dreams

As a blogger one receives a lot of PR emails and every once in awhile something catches your eye. Such was the case when an apartment in the famed El Dorado building on Central Park West decorated by Alexander Doherty was sent to me last week.

The building is an icon seen from central park and has been home to many big names for decades.

The homeowners own and run Blithfield & Co, a line of luxury textiles, and evidence of this is seen throughout the personal abode. I love this living room and those old steel casement windows!

 Design Development NYC was brought on board to do the extensive gut renovation and created all of the custom millwork and mouldings seen in the apartment which give it an art deco / old New York character.

 I love their idea of floating a fuzzy white rug over a heavily patterned antique.

 Some of the gorgeous fabrics from the owner's company used throughout the apartment are seen above.

 Notice the antique brass hardware on the jib door above -such a great little detail that's so important to get right.

 Books are to be found throughout the apartment even on either side of the guestroom bed; no wonder I like it so much!

 More space for cookbooks in the beautiful kitchen.

 I think this may be my dream kitchen. I love a galley kitchen as they're so efficient especially with tons of counterspace and natural light. You can keep your islands!

I love the mixture of wood floors, painted cabinets (a custom Farrow & Ball color), wood and marble countertops with a marble slab backsplash (so clean and easy!).

 After the kitchen, the cozy library has to be my favorite space. Can't you see yourself living in here?

Tons of books, a large tv for movies, and a comfy couch to curl up with a book or favorite magazine seem like heaven to me. I love the addition of a glass desk which doesn't block light from the windows.

Also notice those herringbone floors in the library. The floors are bleached oak to best reflect the light; always important in an apartment!

The master bathroom is a refuge of gleaming nickel and soft white marble off the white and bright master bedroom.

 I love a bed like this; lots of pillows, a fluffy down duvet, and all white - no fuss no muss!

I hope you enjoyed this tour as much as I did!
Photographs courtesy of Trevor Tondro.